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We are looking for a Lead Expert (all genders) to drive commercial value and procurement excellence within our critical Fashion Procurement function and across all of our Customer Propositions. In this high-impact role, you will act as a strategic business ally, translating complex functional demands into future-proof procurement strategies and long-term, sustainable and profitable growth. You will assume full ownership of commercial and procurement activities, negotiate game-changing agreements, and deliver high-impact financial performance both top- and bottom-line. If you are a collaborative leader who thrives on building powerful executive alliances and executing complex multi-million-euro contract frameworks, this role offers an incredible platform to shape operations at scale and design the future of our commercial ventures.
Job Responsibility
Define, steer, and execute a holistic procurement strategy for the Fashion Procurement and Customer Propositions
support leadership team in mapping long-term commercial targets
take full ownership of defining, measuring, and delivering on robust financial and procurement KPIs (such as Gross Margin, profitable growth and commercial trade terms improvement) across entire designated scope of spend
spearhead/support relationship journey with top strategic Fashion partners by establishing long-lasting, future-proof alliances and regularly engaging with partners to unlock innovation and continuous value
confidently navigate a complex corporate matrix to build powerful internal alliances with senior management and executive leaders (VP+) and act as a master mediator
restructure and insulate team to absorb operational risks and foresee systemic challenges
leverage superior procurement capabilities to negotiate and close highly complex contract structures
Requirements
Proven experience operating in highly sophisticated commercial environments or broad procurement fields
stellar track record of managing expansive spend portfolios, commercial strategies, and closing complex, high-stakes contract setups
advanced financial expertise in P&L and Cash Flow analysis and management
ability to autonomously develop complex financial models and simulations using tools like Google Sheets, BI and Python with confidence and ease
strong capabilities in constructing and communicating long-term (>3 year) category or business development strategies
sharp eye for fashion/market trends, disruption opportunities, and complex commercial variables
highly analytical mind with an advanced grasp of financial figures and corporate data
capability of translating intricate strategic, business and financial metrics into clean, visual formats
fluent professional English communication skills (verbal, written, and visual)
Bachelor's or Master's degree in Business Administration, Sourcing, Supply Chain Management, Finance, or an equivalent quantitative or commercial discipline
What we offer
27 days of holiday a year to start for full-time employees (+1 day for every calendar year up to 30 days)
2 paid volunteering days a year
Hybrid working model with up to 60% remote per week
Work from abroad for up to 30 working days a year
Employee shares program
40% off fashion and beauty products sold and shipped by Zalando
30% off Lounge by Zalando
discounts from external partners
Relocation assistance available
Family services, including counseling and support
Health and wellbeing options (including Wellhub, formerly Gympass)